There are several advantages to not buying an item when it first comes out. Here are a few instances that prove this point.

Two years ago, you may have purchased a computer with Windows XP. The salesperson may have told you that Windows Vista will be the new operating system on all computers within the next few months. As it happens, Windows Vista did become the operating system for all new computers today. Does that mean you have to go out and buy a new computer? No, absolutely not.

When Windows XP first came on the scene, most of us waited a year before we bought a new computer system. Why? Because with any new operating system, there are kinks that have to be worked out. After a year, Windows XP became one of the best systems around. The same holds true for Windows Vista. It, too, has many kinks in its armor and waiting a year or so until you purchase a computer would be advisable.

The point to these two examples is that every day you may read in the newspaper about a new electronic gadget that is either on the market or will be introduced for the Christmas holidays. Considering that the cost of these new gadgets is often exorbitant, it may be worth your while to wait until the prices do come down.

Case in point: When WiFi came out, there was a mad rush to buy this expensive item. Unfortunately, supply did not meet demand and there was considerable outrage by consumers who stood on line at most stores in the wee hours of the morning to purchase it.

Subsequently, the price came down considerably and those who purchased it for the original retail value were even more incensed. Of course, they had a right to be. The company did not foresee the popularity of this item, and quantities were lower than anticipated. Today, you can buy the WiFi for half the cost of its original retail value.

Another instance wherein waiting six months to save money applies is buying DVDs. When they first come out, they can be as much as $40.00 to $50.00. This is especially true if the movie itself was a hit at the box office. After some time, you can purchase the same movie for 20% less than the original price. Moreover, you can purchase the DVD used for even less than that.

While there are individuals who must have an item as soon as it hits the shelves, if they just take a moment and consider the savings incurred if they wait a few months, they may be able to buy other items with the money saved.

In today’s economy, it may be prudent to forego standing on long lines in order to buy an expensive new item today, that you can purchase later on for less. It makes sense, doesn’t it?

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There are several ways to pay for items you purchase online. However, it all depends on who the company is and what you are buying. Let’s review the many methods you can use to pay for purchases.

1. Credit Card. This is the most widely used form of payment when shopping online. Most websites take Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, and others. To determine what cards websites accept, read their FAQ page to be sure.

2. Debit Card. While this is the second most commonly used card offline, you have to check the websites online to determine if they accept the debit card.

3. PayPal. Some websites, in particular eBay and other auction sites, afford you the opportunity to pay with PayPal. However, in order to sign up with PayPal you need to give them a credit card and savings or checking account. The credit card is for payments and the savings and checking accounts are for items you sell for which the proceeds are transferred to either account.

4. E-Check. Fewer sites utilize this form of payment; however, it is available. This is primarily for those who wish to pay with their checking account. You will be required to give the last four digits of your check, as well as the last four digits of your social security number.

5. Money Order. Again, fewer sites offer this as a form of payment, but you can purchase items on eBay and look for those items that do not have a “P” next to the item name. The “P” stands for PayPal and the seller will only accept that form of payment. There are sellers, however, who only accept money orders or bank checks. They are few and far between but they do exist.

6. Check-Free is primarily used by Macy’s department store. It is a service that allows you to receive a monthly bill via email and have the payment taken out of your checking account. You can also use it if you have a Macy’s Visa card.

Of course, the best way to shop online is to use one credit card only. In this way you can keep track of purchases, check them against your credit card bill, and hopefully pay off the balance as soon as the bill arrives.

In addition, always check your credit report on an annual basis, and sign up for the fraud protection services the credit card company provides.

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The holiday season usually brings out unscrupulous characters that prey on unsuspecting victims, either online or during sale days at department stores. Counterfeit bills find their way to consumers’ pockets more frequently than not during this time of year. How can you spot the difference between a counterfeit bill and a regular bill?

Here are some ways you can tell:

* Look at the portrait on the bill. Are the lines in the face blurry? Is the portrait too dark or too light? Are the lines in the hair, face, and clothing indistinguishable?

* Does the paper feel crisp? Do you notice blue and red lines throughout the bill?

* Look at the seal on the bill. Are the saw tooth points broken or not even? The seal may be blurry as well.

* Check the serial number on the bill. Are the numbers indistinguishable? Are they very dark or very light? Is the spacing between the numbers a bit off?

* Now look at the border of the bill. Are the lines on the bill blurry or broken?

* You should be able to see a watermark on denominations of $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills if you hold it up to the light.

It should also be noted that one dollar bills have the least amount of security features since most counterfeiters do not find it beneficial to make copies of this bill.

According to wikiHow, “Raised bills are a very simple type of counterfeit in which numerals are glued onto a low denomination bill to make it look like it’s a higher denomination. You can easily spot these fakes by comparing the numbers in the corners to the denomination printed in letters at the bottom of the bill. If you’re still not sure, compare the bill to another bill of the same denomination.”

If you have been told that the bill you have purchased items with is counterfeit, don’t panic. Just pay for the purchase with another bill and take the fake bill to your bank where they can verify its authenticity.

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Ah, the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, can either be a shopper’s dream or the worst nightmare.

For the last several years, department stores have been opening up earlier every year. Lines have formed outside these buildings anytime from 2 a.m. onwards. For those of you shop on Black Friday, you are well aware of the many sales offered by most merchants.

For those of you who have never shopped on Black Friday, it’s quite an experience. The key to landing those terrific sales is to have a plan.

Armed with your Christmas list, experts advise that you go directly to the departments where your items can be found. If necessary, visit the departments before Black Friday so you can easily find the best route on B-Day.

Avoid browsing and try not to buy anything for yourself. Time is precious on this day, and there are always mobs of people trying to grab that last sale item on the rack.

While Black Friday offers great deals, it is a good idea to follow these tips:

* Check out the newspapers the week of Black Friday for sale items.
* Clip out any coupons from the newspapers as well as online coupons that can be utilized in stores.
* Check each store’s online website to determine what items you will be purchasing.
* Check out what time the stores will open and close. Keep in mind some stores offer sales for a few hours only.
* Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
* Try to pay for items with cash (use a waist pouch or a neck pouch to store the cash). Bring a bottle of water – it can get awfully hot!
* If you have to pay with a credit card, use only one card and pay off the balance as soon as possible.
* Take someone with you so that you can both shop for the items on your list.

Although most people look forward to Black Friday, others avoid it like the plague. That’s okay, too. With online shopping becoming more popular, you can avoid the mobs and shop from the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.

In any case, stay focused on your mission; stay vigilant with those around you, and stick to your list!

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While we all enjoy the Christmas holidays, once the bills begin to arrive we are usually brought back down to earth with a bang. If you want to avoid holiday debt, here are some tips.

Open up a Christmas club on January 2nd. You can contribute five or ten dollars a week to the club and by October you will either have $200 or $400 to spend on Christmas gifts.

Avoid using your credit card to buy gifts. This only adds to your ongoing debt and will just leave you stressed out after the holidays. Pay with cash whenever possible. If you have to buy an item with a credit card, pay the bill off as soon as you receive it.

A Christmas budget would be a great idea to decrease the likelihood that you will overspend on gifts. Make a list of the friends and family members you intend to give a gift to and assign a dollar amount. It is important to stick to the budget.

Begin Christmas shopping earlier in the year. There are always sales every week – take advantage of them. You can even buy two or more of the same item in case you have to give a gift you weren’t planning on.

If you like to shop online, use one credit card. There are many online coupon sites that offer great savings throughout the year. Utilize the coupons, check out the sales, and make your purchases. Remember to pay the credit card bill balance as soon as possible.

Perhaps Jane and little Joey want something very expensive this Christmas. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it. With the list of gifts they will present to you, there is sure to be some items you can afford.

Holiday debt may be avoidable if you start with a Christmas budget, put aside a few dollars every day, or open a Christmas club. Instead of buying a cup of coffee everyday, put that money towards Christmas.

Let’s be honest, buying items with credit card is very easy to do these days, especially with internet shopping. But if you shop early, you can certainly pay off the debt before the holidays and start the New Year with a “bang” instead of a whimper.

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The presents have been opened and your family had a wonderful holiday. Now is the perfect time to start shopping for next Christmas. After holiday sales are the best way to save money and stock up on holiday supplies.

On December 26th, people flock to department stores to obtain discounts on items that can save you as much as 75% off the retail price.

This is a wonderful opportunity to stock up on boxes of cards, wrapping paper, tissue paper, holiday bags, and a myriad of ornaments. In addition, department stores will offer sales on clothing and other apparel.

If you are on a holiday budget, there is no better time to buy gifts for next year than on the day after Christmas. If you arrive early in the morning, you can start at the top floor of the store and work your way down. In addition, for the next week or so, the sales will still be ongoing, so that if you decide to shop during the week (which is the best time), you will be able to complete your shopping list for Christmas 2009.

There are some who say it’s way too early to think about next year. Actually, it’s the perfect time. Utilize the Christmas list you’ve made for 2008 and tweak it. You can also buy several of the same gifts in case you need additional presents next year.

Moreover, don’t limit yourself to department stores only. Drug stores have terrific sales; card stores and smaller stores in your area will also have great sales the first week after Christmas.

For example, for cards and wrapping paper, ornaments and chachkas – visit your local drug store. They always have 50% to 75% off on these items and you can stock up not only for next year, but for the next several years.

Besides, shopping after the holiday is more enjoyable than shopping on Black Friday, right?

Don’t forget the internet sales as well. Check out your favorite stores online and take advantage of the sales on their sites as well. Also go to your coupon sites and see what other merchandise is offered on discount.

Finally, why not make a stop at the toy store. The items you didn’t buy on your children’s Christmas list will certainly be worth the discounted price after the holidays. Take advantage of this time to save a great deal of money and be the first one on your block whose 2009 Christmas shopping is complete!

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